Paradis was foaled on Cordillo Downs station. At about 18 months of age she spent three months droving cattle down the Birdsville track during a McDouall Stuart re-enactment. Following this she played polo until 1965 when her owner retired, and was leased by Jeanette Gower for three seasons hunting with the Adelaide Hunt Club. At the same time, she also proved a very successful Riding Club mount, winning ribbons in almost every type of event, before being retired to stud.